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Selati Portion 12, KT 143, Makalali Private Game Reserve 1390 South Africa
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A luxury safari experience at Garonga Safari Co. replenishes mind, body and soul. Garonga Safari Camp, Little Garonga and MCH Private Tented Camp are safari camps in South Africa, hidden away in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve (22 000 hectares). This is prime Big 5 wildlife territory located west of the Kruger National Park. Special indulgences celebrate our 'safari for the soul' ethos and make this an unforgettable retreat. This is truly a "Safari for the Soul". Fall in step with nature and encounter the wildlife that roam South Africa's wilderness. Game drives and walking safaris with our expert guides get you up-close to the Big 5, endangered species like cheetah and wild dog, and diverse birdlife. Sleep deeply in one of our luxury safari camps, each one offering a relaxing retreat for couples or small groups. For a wild and wonderful experience, spend one night beneath a canvas of stars on our safari Sleep Out Deck. Unwind completely at the Massage 'Sala', Sleep Out Deck and safari Bush Bath as part of the Big 5 safari and spa experience. The Yoga Deck is perfect for mindful practice in nature. Delight in safari dining that pairs perfectly with nature's beauty. Excellent South African wines and several cuisine choices can be enjoyed in an intimate private setting or the festive Bush Boma At Garonga Safari Camp, luxury tented safari romance meets the wild beauty of the South African bush setting. It's an exclusive tented camp, with just six luxury en-suite units that combine a canvas canopy, rustic-textured walls and raised wooden deck overlooking a dry riverbed. Little Garonga has three fully en-suite, thatched and air-conditioned suites, all situated around centralised indoor/outdoor lounge areas, a swimming pool and built-in braai/BBQ area. Each suite has its own platform deck, complete with hammock. The lodge also has its own host, chef, waiter and housekeeper so is totally self-contained and run separately from the Safari Camp. MCH is the newest addition to the Garonga Safari Co. family. As a canvas tented camp, it embodies authentic safari style, yet has the added luxuries that make it a signature ‘safari for the soul’ experience. MCH offers family or friend groups a private and intimate bush getaway, perfect for extended stays. If not booked out for a group, individual couples are welcome to make it home for their luxury safari stay. Perched on a kopje (little hill), you can revel in panoramic views of the wild Makalali Reserve and Drakensberg Mountains beyond. The four tents boast air-conditioning and wifi. They are fully en-suite with sumptuous bathtub and indoor and outdoor showers. Each features a well-stocked bar and indoor lounge that flows outside onto a private deck.
Our time at Garonga was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience - although I do hope I get to go back!! The tent sleeping is luxurious and also amongst nature, living amongst the animals is a dream come true, the staff, food, EXTRA knowledgable guides make it a true vacation, and the game! Oh my. We saw it all. Such a beautiful experience, HIGHLY recommended. You will NOT regret it.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A bucket list check for sure. The Garonga Safari camp was phenomenal. From the accommodations, service and staff as well as the amazing food and game drives each day it was a dream come true for us both. A truly unforgettable trip and honeymoon experience! We hope to return one day in the future.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The staff, the vibe, the hospitality. If you want to connect with your partner and yourself, this is the place to be! We spent our honeymoon here and it was the best decision we ever made. I highly recommend it.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You might as well be in a private resort! With only a few rooms, and one couple away on a the overnight sleepout experience, we had the whole place to ourselves This is a gorgeous resort, we absolutely loved every minute Our room (Chiltern Suite) was huge and divine, with a gorgeous indoor and outdoor bathroom. Super comfy bed and great view The food is five star - every meal was divine. Don’t miss the outdoor bath by candlelight which was gorgeous, and the outdoor sleep out which was amazing (make sure you book in advance) Thanks to the whole team of staff who were all wonderful, especially Jordi - our animal man - who did everything possible to show us the greatest nature that the park has (elephants, a Pride of 7 lions, cheetah, leopard, rhinos, both black and white, and an adorable little baby, giraffes and so much more) wow peak Africa is all here A big special thanks to the owners and managers who especially organised non alcoholic wine, gin and champagne for me (I do not drink alcohol) It was very much appreciated and was the icing on the cake - a wonderful stay - if we ever safari again, we will definitely be booking this place. Much love and very happy memories…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Take time to enjoy the rooms and pool!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had an amazing stay at Garonga safari! Amazing service and location. Our guides and tracker Maddy and Musa were super friendly and highly knowledgable. We were able to see everywithing we wanted and learned a lot on the way. The food was also delicious and the rooms were luxurious! I would highly recommend!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from BERNIE SMITH, Owner at Garonga Safari Co.
Responded 5 weeks ago
We very much appreciate you taking time to write a review. I’m so glad you enjoyed your time spent at Garonga. Indeed Maddy and Musa are a great team together. Best Regards Bernie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We visited Garonga for our honeymoon and so glad we did, the staff were amazing, especially Mo our tracker. We saw 3 out of the big 5, unfortunately did not see a Rhino or Leopard but Mo’s efforts in tracking the Rhino were above and beyond. It was fascinating discovering how much knowledge and expertise the guides have. The food and service was exceptional and the tents are clean and spacious. 3 nights was definitely not long enough, we could of stayed a lot longer and it was an experience we will never forget. Thank you to everyone! Karl and Hannah
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from BERNIE SMITH, Owner at Garonga Safari Co.
Responded 5 weeks ago
Dear Karl and Hannah, It was great having you to stay in such a special occasion. Thanks indeed for your very kind words and so chuffed you enjoyed your Garonga experience with Mpho. Indeed 3 days go very fast. We have a stay 5 pay 4 package that many guests use. Best Regards Bernie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We couldn't have better things to say about our experience at Garonga. We stayed in Little Garonga and Robert was the manager who also helped orient guests and helped with hospitality. Robert was extremely cordial, friendly, and professional. The rooms were excellent, cleaned twice daily, and very comfortable. Our safari guide was Bongi who couldn't have been better either. Through part luck and a lot due to his expertise, we were able to see the big five and around another 20 animal species. I'm not a professional birder but probably saw around 40 bird species in the 4-5 days we were there as well. April was spending time there as a part time employee from the UK and enjoyed her company who made the trip better as well! For any other same sex couples considering trips, I would also like to point out we were a same sex couple and were welcomed and treated warmly as were our friends before us.…
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from BERNIE SMITH, Owner at Garonga Safari Co.
Responded 5 weeks ago
Thanks indeed for your kind words and so glad you were well looked after by the team.Bongi is indeed very determined and also a great Character and so happy you found all you could. Best Regards Bernie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a truly wonderful first Safari experience at Little Garonga Safari Camp. We stayed in one of three lodges, overlooking a river bed and watering hole and bush. The rooms were beautiful, with indoor and outdoor showers, a huge bed with mosquito net draping and tasteful decor with a seating area outside, not to be used at night! The most important part of a Safari isa he wildlife which came in abundance! Our sightings were without a doubt the best experience we had throughout our South African/Zambia trip. We didn't have any particular favourite sighting the whole trip, every sighting was special, Huge mention most go to our tracker Phineas and Jordi the font of all game, forna and bird knowledge plus they are so funny as a team, hilarious!! their tracking skills were incredible and the care they took to ensure the wildlife was always happy with our presence was touching, even when a Rhino decided to test our nerve with a charge!! I must also mention their concern for conservation of the animals, a number of times we crossed tracks of a particular Rhino that hadn't been seen for 2 months and its welfare was a concern. next thing, we became part of the search, so exciting. We did the sleepout deck experience which was amazing. Hearing the sounds through the night of the wilderness, watching the amazing start sky and having a flushing loo up a tree, now that's an experience not to be missed!!! A once in a lifetime experience! As for the food, breakfast after the morning drive was sumptuous, lunch delicious and varied and dinner was ideal as you struggled to say awake after an early start to the day, sensory overload and excitement about the next drive.....zzzzzzzz Every Camp member of staff was so attentive and Hefric's dinner time stories are not to be missed, hilarious!! The staff knew all of our names when we arrived and they made feel like family, they greeted us warmly whenever they saw you. Thinking of a safari then go and visit the most wonderful place in Africa! Tip. Phone camera is good enough otherwise using an SLR you will miss seeing everything around you…
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Camera phone over SLR!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from BERNIE SMITH, Owner at Garonga Safari Co.
Responded 5 weeks ago
Thanks so much for your very kind feedback. We are so happy you enjoyed your experience at Safari Camp, and also with your Safari team who seemed to pull out all the stops. They are indeed a great pair together. The sleepout is indeed a very popular activity to do, and glad you did it. Thanks again. Best wishes Bernie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Excellent location, great safaris, absolutely friendly staff. The Food was delicious. The safari guides had an impressive knowledge of the animals and the nature. All of them made it to a wonderful experience.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from BERNIE SMITH, Owner at Garonga Safari Co.
Responded 5 weeks ago
Thanks very much for your feedback and so glad you enjoyed your Garonga Holiday. Best Wishes Bernie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were so lucky to stay at Little Garonga. From the minute we arrived to the moment we left Robert and his team looked after us exceptionally well with genuine kindness, warmth and respect. The accommodation and food were amazing and additional activities of a sleep out and bush bath made for a truly fabulous experience. Now the best bit: Wildlife is spectacular and the drives made even better by our fabulous guide Mauritz. A wealth of knowledge, humour and determination to go the extra mile for us. Thank you for the life long memories you helped to make.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:You may need some additional clothing for early morning and early evening. Fleece etc
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from BERNIE SMITH, Owner at Garonga Safari Co.
Responded 5 weeks ago
Thanks so much for your very positive feedback. We are so happy you enjoyed your time spent at Little Garonga, and being well looked after by the Team. Mauritz is indeed a wealth of knowledge and great that you saw so much. The ad hoc activities are indeed great to do. Bath and sleepout. Best Regards Bernie
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.